Rocco's Italian Grille & Bar

As predicted, this continues to be one of mine & my boyfriend's favorite Italian restaurants in Orlando. It perplexes me how it seems that so many people aren't aware of its existence because every time we visit, it isn't at all busy (even on weekends). It truly has some of the tastiest Italian food I've tried in the area and deserves more attention. The bruschetta appetizer we shared was delicious and topped with a generous amount of fresh basil, our cesar salads were yummy as usual and our entrees were perfection. My boyfriend ordered the lobster ravioli (I had a bite and it was drool-worthy) and I ordered my usual, the linguine frutti di mar (the seafood is always extremely fresh and the portion is just the right size). If you're looking for the closest thing to experiencing an authentic Italian restaurant in Orlando, Rocco's will have you feeling like you're 5,000 miles away dining in Rome.

My meal at Rocco's was nothing short of perfection! The entire experience was pleasant from service to food to atmosphere. We made reservations for Friday night which was a good call given the crowd. I suggest reservations if you plan to dine during the weekend. We were seated quickly on arrival and found our server to be very knowledgeable and pleasant. We started with the special smoked salmon bruschetta and shared a Caesar salad. The kitchen was kind enough to split the plate for us. I judge all Italian restaurants on their Caesar salad and knew immediately I was in a good spot because the Caesar passed my test. It was classic Italian with noticeable anchovy flavor in the dressing. Speaking of dressing, it was dressed perfectly. Very appropriately sized as a starter. The smoked salmon was also excellent. The creaminess of the ricotta complimented the smokiness of the salmon. For the main, we of course went with pasta! I have to RAVE over the Pappardelle alle Cinque Terre! It was beautiful. All of the seafood was cooked to perfection. I was particularly drawn to the scallops! They were so buttery. Of course the sauce and pasta were divine as well. The perfect bed for that beautiful seafood. My mom went with a seafood linguine and was equally impressed. While we were pretty full, we of course couldn't leave without dessert. We had some type of lemon torte and WOW! It was such a lovely finisher. Very bright flavor from a light and flakey pastry. I will definitely be a repeat customer!

This is an amazing restaurant. Very Italian inspired food, beautiful cozy seatings, outdoor space. The pasta made from scratch Big wine selection. Service is superb! Can't wait to return.

Had a last min dinner plan changed and ended up here at Rocco's. Parking is in the back with plenty of spaces that are shared with other businesses in the area. Came by for dinner around 5pm and there wasn't anyone dining u til we finished our meal. We opt in on the magical dining menu. A few interesting options and my friends and I all picked the same items besides desserts. I ordered the shrimp top with Gorgonzola cheese. Two jump sized shrimp were good. The portion size of this appetizer was disappointing. The main course I opt for the beef tenderloin that was also smothered with the Gorgonzola sauce with potato wedges and other veggies. I got tenderloin medium well but it was well done and a bit chewy. As for dessert I asked for it to go. I got the cannoli, it was very tiny. Complimentary bread with garlic olive oil. Service could have been better but, overall nice people.

This continues to be one of my girlfriend's & my favorite spot for Italian food in the Orlando area. It gives off that classic American Italian vibe when you walk in.Not only is the service top notch, but they welcome you like family and someone always stops by your table to see if you're enjoying your meal (usually the owner who is there the majority of the time). Nelson was our server for this visit and he was attentive, friendly and always could be found nearby when we needed something. We started off with the carpaccio con rucola and it was delicious as always and topped with just the right amount of truffle oil (I will mention though that the portion did seem smaller than last time we ordered it). Next we both ordered cesar salads and while they tasted great, again, the portion was also lacking a bit. Finally for my main course, I ordered the veal parmesan (it came with a side of ravioli) which was perfectly cooked & mouth watering (portion was just the right size here). As usual, we we were too stuffed to order dessert but I hope someday that I'll have enough room to try some cannolis. One thing I'll mention is be prepared to spend some money here, especially if you like to drink with your meal. However, the quality of their food and the memorable service will leave you feeling like it was cash well spent. I recommend anyone try Rocco's if they're an Italian lover looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion or just simply in the mood for a delicious meal.

Came to this restaurant for Valentine's Day last year and had a great experience because of the server. Made a reservation about a month ago for this restaurant and there was no mention in the reservation notes that there was a prix fixe menu. I normally check prix fixed menus to make sure that there's something on there that I know that my self and my husband will both love to eat. We went in today with our baby and got seated. They brought over a prefixed menu and a menu had veal, a filet tenderloin, a lobster ravioli and a branzino. I do not eat any of those items, I would have rather had something chicken or vegetarian. The owner, Rocco, came over VERY rude, and said that this is a prix fixe menuand that there is nothing that he can do. We said it wasn't like that last year, and he said well this is this year and then he walked away. He was also very rude when I called to say we would be 10 mins late. The side we were seated on was empty. The waitress that was going to help us was very sweet and apologetic. We walked out of the restaurant and the owner said goodbye to us. I don't understand how an owner of a restaurant can allow patrons to leave their establishment. The meals were $70 per person, why not just throw an eggplant on there and still charge me the $70? Makes absolutely no sense. Thank you so much Rocco for making my baby's first Valentine's Day so special. I will NEVER EVER come back here and I will make sure that I spread the word to all of my friends and family. You need to learn some customer service but I guess one person doesn't matter to you.

Pros: My husband and I had to make a reservation, but we were seated right away. When the host noticed I didn't like our seating location, he moved us without any problem. Our waitress came right away. The restaurant was quiet and subdued and the lighting was low - this is perfect for a romantic meal with a significant other. In terms of the food, it was purely authentic Italian food! I loved my fettuccini bolognese with marinara sauce. We even had free bread. The price was reasonable, considering all that my husband and I ate.Cons: Parking was a bit troublesome but we did find a spot, tight as it was.Overall score: A-

Rocco's has pretty good Italian food. Their ambiance is very cozy and family-oriented. The owner loves to walk around and greet the guests and ask how they're doing. Their appetizers are really good, especially their bruschetta and fresh mozzarella (some of the best I've had). Their chicken entree was okay. The chicken was a tad bit dry and the portion was small, but it was still pretty good. Still a great time!

Had a very bad experience here and I hope this review helps others.My wife and I both ordered pasta specials recommended by the waiter. On the printed menu, the most expensive pasta is $27 (contains seafood), most are $22. When we got our bill, my pasta special was $52. It was a cacio pepe (small portion) with no meat/protein. My wife's was $48 (short rib ravioli, 6 pieces).Sure, you can say this is "my fault" for not asking the price of the special upfront. But this felt predatory. I can't imagine they would have told me a vegetarian cacio pepe was $52 had I asked. This is also significantly more expensive than the priciest item on the printed menu, a veal chop at $42. For $52, I could get the sea bass at Ravenous Pig down the street and a drink.I will no longer support this business. I would tread carefully if you go off the printed menu here.

Went here for a pizza last week for the first time and was disappointed at the bland taste. Gave the place another try this week and ordered spaghetti and meatballs to take out. Again, very bland. Especially the meatballs, which had no seasonings in them at all. No hint of Italy in anything.